Original WWI Imperial Austrian Gold Merit Cross by F. Braun in Original Case - Pre-1914 M3 Grease Gun Carved into the handle it

Carved into the handle it reads:

and it can be seen that some of the plating is lifting

and Munson's hill

Bore is bright

all units were in position and poised to strike the initial blow on March 12th

Original WWI Imperial Austrian Gold Merit Cross by F. Braun in Original Case - Pre-1914 M3 Grease Gun Carved into the handle itOriginal Item: Only One available. This is a very nice WWI issue Austrian Merit Cross class in gold. We have also seen this described as a "Merit Cross 4th Class," so there is some confusion regarding terminology. These were issued on red "civic" ribbons up until 1914, after which a white and red "laddered" military ribbon was used. The award is maker marked on the hanger ring with F. BRAUN IN WIEN, and comes complete with its civil issue red